Samm E. Hayes - Creating Financial Freedom

STEP 1: Master Your Cash Flow

Before talking investments, college funding, or retirement—your cash flow is the foundation.

For families, especially with babies and young kids, your first end-of-year planning step should be reviewing:
✅ Monthly income
✅ Fixed & variable expenses
✅ Baby and child-related costs (diapers, formula, childcare, activities, insurance, etc.)

A simple framework many families follow is the 50 / 30 / 20 method:
☑️ 50% Needs – housing, food, insurance, childcare
☑️ 30% Wants – lifestyle, travel, entertainment
☑️ 20% Savings & Goals – emergency fund, future goals, investing

If you have kids (or one on the way), I also recommend building a “Kid Buffer”—a dedicated savings cushion specifically for:
❎ Medical surprises
❎ Childcare changes
❎ Education costs
❎ Sports, activities & growth expenses

Ideal ‘Kid Buffer’ Target: 3–6 months of child-related expenses, separate from your core emergency fund.

Consider the following vehicles for a ‘Kid Buffer’ (liquidity > growth):
💰 High-yield savings accounts
💰 Money market accounts
💰 Conservative short-term savings options

This money isn’t about return—it’s about reducing stress when life happens.

For our families, we provide:
1️⃣ A monthly Excel-based family budget tracker
2️⃣ Online budgeting tools that can be reviewed and updated with an advisor
3️⃣ Ongoing budget check-ins as life changes

Your budget shouldn’t feel restrictive—it should give your family clarity and confidence.

If you want help reviewing your family cash flow, building a Kid Buffer, or getting access to
our budgeting tools, I’m always happy to help.

Planning early creates breathing room later.

(Provided content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be
relied upon as individualized tax, legal, fiduciary, or investment advice.)

End-of-Year Financial Planning Tips for New & Expecting Parents

Becoming a parent changes everything—and the end of the year is a great time to make sure your finances are keeping up with your growing family.

A few simple check-ins before 12/31 can create confidence heading into the new year:

1) Review your monthly with new baby expenses in mind
2) Strengthen your emergency fund for added security
3) Check beneficiary designations on all accounts
4) Review life and disability insurance coverage
5) Look at health benefits and dependent care options
6) Consider long-term savings for future goals
7) Update estate documents if your family has changed

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s preservation, organization, and clarity for your family’s next chapter.

In 2018, I was just getting started — a fresh headshot, a clean suit, and big dreams about helping people take control of their money.

I had no idea what the next seven years would bring… a wife, a son, a business that’s grown every year, and a few extra “dad lines” from early-morning feedings and late-night planning sessions.

Today, I’m proud of how far the journey has come. I get to help families, young professionals, and business owners build real financial strategies — from retirement plans and investment management to life insurance, tax-efficient planning, and everything in between.

I’ve learned that money isn’t just numbers… it’s confidence, security, and the freedom to build the life you want. And nothing motivates me more than helping people create that.

Here’s to growth, purpose, and the next chapter.

If you’re ready for a real plan, I’m here to help.